Former Asom CM calls for unification of regional forces in New Year

Guwahati, Dec 31 (UNI) Former Asom Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today urged unification of regional forces in the state in the New Year, leaving behind the differences and learning from the past.

Talking to reporters here, the Asom Gana Parishad (Progressive) (AGP-P) president said, ''The regional forces should unite in the coming years and make amends for failing to install a pro-people government in Dispur in the last Assembly polls.'' He said the Opposition parties failed to take control of the reins of the state due to internal differences in the last elections inspite of popular sentiments against the incumbent Congress.

''As a result of this, the Congress is leading a coalition government, with support from a regional party (BPPF-Hagrama faction),'' he added.

A move towards reunification of main Opposition party AGP and its splinter AGP (P) has already been anticipated after the parties declared of supporting a coalition for the forthcoming Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council polls. Mr Mahanta and AGP chief Brindabon Goswami also shared the dais at an election rally in Karbi Anglong yesterday, a total impossibility till a few days back.

While refusing to comment clearly on a possible merger of the two parties, Mr Mahanta said a clearer picture would be available with time.

The two-time former chief minister also expressed concern over the proposed seismic survey on Brahmaputra bed by the OIL and China's plan of diversification of the river's water within its territory.

He said, ''The seismic survey could pose to be an ecological threat to the river if not carried out by experts.'' He termed China's plan an external threat to the Brahmaputra, pointing out that experts have stated that if water from the river was diverted, it would lead to serious changes in the monsoon pattern of the Indian subcontinent.

Mr Mahanta urged the central government to take up the issue with their Chinese counterparts at the earliest.